A former WWE Intercontinental Champion has hinted that he may return to the ring at next year’s Royal Rumble pay‑per‑view.
The former United States, Intercontinental and tag‑team champion, best known by his Zack Ryder persona, is Matt Cardona. After leaving WWE in 2020, Cardona built a prominent independent career before re‑joining the company in late 2026. He has been active on the SmackDown and Main Event rosters, scoring a recent victory over Kit Wilson before suffering a triceps tear.
Cardona’s return to WWE came on an episode of SmackDown in November 2026. He has wrestled regularly ever since, with his last televised match ending in a win over Wilson. The match, however, resulted in a torn triceps, forcing him to the sidelines.
In a post on X, Cardona disclosed the injury and outlined his recovery outlook. He noted a potential five‑ to six‑month timetable but expressed a desire to return more quickly, emphasizing his hunger to compete.
It just sucks getting hurt now when I’m still figuring out who Matt Cardona is in WWE. Five months, six months, three months off at this point in my career—that’s a long f*cking time. I don’t want to sit home. I don’t want to sit and collect a check. I don’t want to have a vacation. I want to be in the ring.”
I came back to win the WWE Championship. I might sound crazy to you, maybe I’m delusional, but that’s just how I’m wired. I will not die. I am a cockroach—whatever you want to say. I love this stuff too damn much to let this injury stop me. I’ll be back faster than the surgeon said and coming back to be the WWE Champion—or I’m going to die trying.”
Matt Cardona Hints at Royal Rumble Return
During an appearance on Casuals with Katie Nolan, Cardona discussed his recovery plan. He said he aims to be back “shorter than the surgeons say” and hinted that the Royal Rumble in February next year could be the platform for his comeback.
The plan is to be back shorter than the surgeons say. Maybe come back to the Royal Rumble. Who knows? That’s February this year. So, I got some time.” [H/T Sportskeeda Wrestling]
It remains to be seen whether Cardona can meet his accelerated timeline and appear at the 2027 Royal Rumble.